Disqus - Latest Comments for mark @ mytropicalescape

Re: My Life In A Cube

mark @ mytropicalescape — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 08:20:48 -0000

Thanks for the laugh! That is hilarious :)

Re: linklings: a pregnant moment edition

mark @ mytropicalescape — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:28:13 -0000

Thanks for the link and I am glad you liked the post!

All the best.
Mark

Re: Daily Travel Photo - Guam

mark @ mytropicalescape — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:47:03 -0000

Hey Gary - came over to say hello from the comment you left on my ProBlogger guest post. Have you been to Papua New Guinea yet? It's where I served as a Peace Corps volunteer...

Are you in Guam now? If you see Leo Babauta, tell him Mark says hello. :)

Re: 2008/09/24/drive-money-to-your-cause/

mark @ mytropicalescape — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:32:53 -0000

Hey Leslie - nice post! We actually launched Train for Humanity, a new non profit humanitarian org, a couple of weeks ago via Twitter. Chris Brogan was kind enough to get the tweets rolling.

Our mission - training (getting in shape) + social media + blogging = social good

Attempting to raise $50,000 to help Darfur Peace & Development rebuild the Shegegkaro school, which was recently bombed...

Re: New Year, New You: How to Travel the World with (or without) Kids in 2008

mark @ mytropicalescape — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 18:47:38 -0000

Tim - thanks for posting that chapter! I 'escaped' and started traveling over 12 years ago, beginning with a stint in the US Peace Corps in Papua New Guinea.

For anyone out there considering a move overseas, or extended travel, MAKE 2008 your year!! Feel free to email me with questions as I am more than happy to offer tips on how I did it.

Happy Holidays,
Mark
ps - Tim let me know if you will be traveling through Culebra...

Re: Depression: How You Label Determines How You Feel

mark @ mytropicalescape — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 08:04:30 -0000

Hi Tim

Thanks for the sobering post on a tough subject, and one that we don’t really tend to discuss all that often in society.

For anyone who might be looking for some inspiration I just posted a discussion on my site that I recently had with Scott Rigsby.

Scott is the FIRST physically challenged double amputee athlete to complete the Hawaii IronMan Triathlon.

http://www.mytropicalescape.com/2008/01/21/scot...

He is truly an AMAZING human being and someone who dramatically turned his life around from depression and despair to “doing the unthinkable.”

Apologies in advance if you don’t allow links in your comment section.
Mark

Re: Low-Cost, High-Reward Mini-Retirements: Explore the World with International Volunteering

mark @ mytropicalescape — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:54:32 -0000

As a former US Peace Corps volunteer (Papua New Guinea 97-99) I would strongly encourage anyone who is looking to design their lifestyle or take a mini-retirement, via volunteering, to go for it!

Volunteering abroad will change your whole existence and the way that you live.

If you have any questions about what it is like to live and volunteer in a remote village for two years, please feel free to email me.

All the best,
Mark Hayward
Lifestyle Design Consultant

Re: From Al Gore’s Chief Speechwriter: Simple Tips for a Damn Good Presentation (Plus: Breakdancing)

mark @ mytropicalescape — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:10:53 -0000

Hey Dan - Thanks for the tips and advice!

I think one key aspect to successful public speaking is to make an immediate connection with the audience. If you lose them in the first minute or so it is awfully tough to get them back.

Oh yeah, and practice, practice, practice...if you want to boost your public speaking confidence.

For Tim – Since the 4HWW what was your most difficult presentation or who was your toughest crowd?

All the best,
Mark H.
Lifestyle Design Consultant

Re: From Al Gore’s Chief Speechwriter: Simple Tips for a Damn Good Presentation (Plus: Breakdancing)

mark @ mytropicalescape — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 17:14:36 -0000

@Tim – 5000 people isn’t that Rock Start Status…?

And I thought presenting in Melanesian Tok Pisin to 50 Village Chiefs in Papua New Guinea (who formerly practiced cannibalism) about the dangers of clear-cutting the forest was tough ;)

All the best,
Mark H.

Re: From Al Gore’s Chief Speechwriter: Simple Tips for a Damn Good Presentation (Plus: Breakdancing)

mark @ mytropicalescape — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 17:16:06 -0000

Uh - that should read "Rock Star" not "Rock Start" *spell check!*

Re: 4HWW Readers’ School in Vietnam Opens its Doors — Time for a Trip?

mark @ mytropicalescape — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:00:33 -0000

Hey Tim,

Not sure if you are still looking for schools/projects to support but you might be interested in directing some of your "reach" towards the Darfur Peace and Development School Building Program:

http://www.darfurpeaceanddevelopment.org/projec...

They are an amazing, locally run, organization trying to do great things with limited resources and in a very difficult location.

All the best,
Mark H.
:) Lifestyle Design Consultant

Re: Social Media System with Chris Brogan

mark @ mytropicalescape — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 14:48:13 -0000

Hey John - really appreciate you and Chris Brogan sharing your experiences with social media. The economy is tough and the more we help each other the better off, I think, we will be.

I actually own a small business and use social media for all of my connecting, marketing, and promo. Here is the link to my social media system:

http://mark-hayward.com/2009/01/27/how-i-use-so...

Thanks again, and hope you have a great weekend!

Re: Growing Your Audience- Some Basics

mark @ mytropicalescape — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:14:35 -0000

Nice post, Chris! It's funny, when I first started to jot my ideas down online, I thought,..."I need to comment on other blogs, interact, etc..."

However, once I realized that all I really wanted to do was have some place to download my thoughts about lifestyle design and entrepreneurship, interact with people who are pursuing goals and are motivated the rest sort of fell into place.

I don't have near the traffic that you have, but even getting a couple of people to react and comment on what you have written is still pretty good at the end of the day...

Re: Using Social Media for Social Good

mark @ mytropicalescape — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 10:54:50 -0000

Hi Chris - funny, we were just emailing about non-profit resources...thanks for highlighting this presentation!

Re: Threading Some Trends Together

mark @ mytropicalescape — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:35:08 -0000

Hi Chris! Happy fourth from the Caribbean. :)

As someone who has lived overseas for the past twelve years I for one hope that the "office independence" movement continues.

I think it takes time for a shift of this nature, but the realization that you don't have to be tied to a cube to be productive is gaining momentum.

Enjoy your weekend.
MH

Re: Ten Secrets to Better Blogging

mark @ mytropicalescape — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:00:44 -0000

Hey Chris - you could certainly package all of this info into an ebook and you would probably make a killing!

So, I thank you for your time and effort and for providing killer content gratis. :)

Re: Thinking About the Negatives

mark @ mytropicalescape — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:48:48 -0000

Hi Chris – how are you? I am glad that you took the time today to veer off of your main focus and to bring up a sensitive subject for further discussion.

I will state from the outset that before I started using Twitter I had no idea who Loren was and I still have not watched any of his videos, nor do I intend to. Which means I am not judging him or his content…I am only going to let you know about what I have experienced in the past.

First, a question – If one person deems someone’s material or blog post as racist material is it then indeed racist?

I have lived and traveled all over the world, however, most recently I spent five years living in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) in the Caribbean. While there I worked for the government and 98% of my office was made up of people from that country.

Many residents of the BVI have a nationalism and pride that walks a very fine racism line and some folks are just blatant racists. Almost every day I was referred to as white boy. Did it bother me? Hell yes! Was it said to me with a racist connotation? Yes, not always, but many times.

One of the worst experiences of racism I faced was during a development meeting with about 50 people in attendance. During the middle of the meeting the chairman looked directly at me and stated, “I don’t want one more Johnny coming to my country and the ones that are here I want gone now.” Johnny is Caribbean/Jamaican slang for white person.

Fortunately, all of my collective experiences have not made me bitter, in fact, just the opposite has occurred. Subtle, blatant, or just plain in your face, it just makes me wonder where all of this hatred and vitriol comes from?

Please keep up the great work you are doing here!

Re: 50 Blog Topics Marketers Could Write For Their Companies

mark @ mytropicalescape — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:26:22 -0000

Hey Chris - Thanks, man!! Even though my wife and I run a [very] small business almost all of your fifty post ideas can be tweaked to fit our situation.

Funny, we were out walking the dogs this morning and saying that we really need to update our business blog...

If you and the family ever make it down to Culebra you just earned yourself a free nights stay with us!

Have a great weekend!
MH

Re: What I Want PR and Marketing Professionals To Know

mark @ mytropicalescape — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:48:52 -0000

Hi Chris,

I don't really interact with PR people at all anymore and I am just a tiny cog, so I could be way off base.

However, sometimes I think PR people (and others) try to "figure out" social media instead of just doing social media... Meaning they try to come at it from a corporate (benefits only) angle rather than a human (hey-how can I help you) angle.

If someone contacts me seeking only benefits I am most likely to hit delete or move on. Talk to me like a new acquaintance or friend (or at least know my name) and I will go to great lengths to assist.

Keep up the great work!

Re: Question for You- New Marketing

mark @ mytropicalescape — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:53:09 -0000

Hey Chris - hope you're still taking input...

I think new media, old media, even media we don't know about yet (Media 100.00?) all rely on one thing - *Human Connection*

Really, I don't care if you're sending pre-sorted envelopes or posting your companies viral video on YouTube and Twittering until your fingers turn blue.

If the message for you, your product, or service does not contain some form of human element or connection to the target audience then I think you will fail.

Enjoy your travels and try not to lose too much money in Vegas. :)

Re: Announcing Dad-o-Matic

mark @ mytropicalescape — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 17:19:44 -0000

Hey Chris - best of luck with your new venture. Wish you nothing but tremendous success.

Re: The Me Game

mark @ mytropicalescape — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:49:17 -0000

Hey Chris - agree with everything...the one suggestion I would add is - you don't have to try and meet everyone at a particular conference. Sometimes it's nice just to sit back, listen, and take it all in. :)

Re: Guest Post- On Being Shy

mark @ mytropicalescape — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 07:00:01 -0000

*Hi Kim - for me nowadays it's almost a laid back reservedness that I have because I find in many situations I just prefer to sit, listen, and watch. Although, in terms of business, I don't really have the luxury of doing that anymore since I purchased my small hotel here in the Caribbean. :)

*Hi Lucy - I am right there with you when it comes to the kiss on the cheek! (A very common form of greeting here in Puerto Rico.)

*Hi Dawn - how are you doing? thank you for your kind words.

*Hey Terence - I would agree and I would also add a firm handshake to go along with that eye contact. If I am at a conference I usually have trouble remembering names (a whole other issue!) but I CAN always remember the person with the feeble "dead fish" handshake...and not in a good way.

Re: Guest Post- On Being Shy

mark @ mytropicalescape — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 07:07:18 -0000

*Hi Ryan - when I head to any conference I try to be as well prepared as I can and those are fantastic additional tips that you offer above!

*Lyndon - best of luck to you at Word Camp. :)

*Hey Liz Strauss - nice to me you, too!

Re: Guest Post- On Being Shy

mark @ mytropicalescape — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:03:23 -0000

*Hey Michael - "sociable-ness" has been duly added to my dictionary. :) Great new term for a Monday morning!

*Hey Shonika - Toastmasters is a great organization. I am quite fortunate on the public speaking front because as a former Peace Corps volunteer I had to do presentations on a daily basis (and in a different language). As long as I have prepared well for the talk I actually enjoy public speaking....strange, I know, but I think it came with so much practice.

Re: Guest Post- On Being Shy

mark @ mytropicalescape — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:48:14 -0000

Hey Erica - you are definitely not alone! I think "shyness vaporlock" (as you so eloquently put it) affects many of us seemingly confident people. It's how we choose to deal with the shyness that determines our existence.

Hi John - open ended questions...fantastic recommendation! That is actually how I greet most of the guests that come to stay with us and I find that it makes them comfortable right off the bat and in turn takes the pressure off of me.

Re: Guest Post- On Being Shy

mark @ mytropicalescape — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:16:11 -0000

Hi Cath - thank you for your kind words. :) Running the B&B and (now) meeting new folks everyday it really does surprise me how much easier introductions go when you make the other party comfortable...

Hi Zoey - it is truly amazing how much networking we do online! I think next week I might actually try to keep track of how much time I am on twitter, etc. And I agree about the silences, I actually like them, but I think that is when other people tend to get nervous.

Re: The Big Risk for Corporate Trust Agents

mark @ mytropicalescape — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 09:58:24 -0000

Hey Chris - as someone who might be searching for employment in the near future (me)...I feel your blog/social media network might also be what attracts a particular company to you. Has anyone put a value on pre-existing social networks yet (a future post for you perhaps?)?

Before I hit publish or post on anything, even guest posts, I am keenly aware of the value that it might add to, or detract from, any future employment searches.

Hope you're having a nice weekend!
MH

Re: How Bloggers Can Work With Tourism Boards

mark @ mytropicalescape — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 14:23:03 -0000

Hey Chris - I would just add, similar to what Barb says above, the absolute beauty of blogging is that you can, in a sense, become your own tourist board.

For example, the Puerto Rico Toursim company wanted to charge us like $1500 to place a very small advert in their informational booklet. Because we are a very small operation (my wife and I) I have found it works better just to put my energy into promoting Culebra and my INN on my own.

Don't get me wrong, I would love to work with PR Tourism but sometimes I think many tourism offices are out of reach for the little guys...

Re: How Often Do You Promote Others

mark @ mytropicalescape — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:05:04 -0000

Hey Chris - this was my recent attempt to share the love between 97 people and try to help EVERYONE to create some new contacts:

http://www.mytropicalescape.com/2008/10/15/97-r...

Hope you have a great week1
MH

Re: Privateers- Backing Your Pirate Ships

mark @ mytropicalescape — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:45:45 -0000

Congrats Chris! Awesome news and I am sure it will be a tremendous success. :)

Re: Playing in the All Star Game

mark @ mytropicalescape — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 17:57:35 -0000

Congratulations, Chris, you certainly deserve the accolades!

Re: Your Donations Really Made a Difference

mark @ mytropicalescape — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:40:17 -0000

Nice work, Chris!! You certainly are a class act.

Re: 12 Things to Stop Doing in 2009

mark @ mytropicalescape — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:36:26 -0000

Hey Chris - GREAT list!! And thank you for the link to TrainforHumanity.org. :)

One thing I would add for your readers is to NEVER give up on your dream in 2009!! Over the course of a year and a half, my wife and I were turned down for a business mortgage over ten times. We were so close to giving up. But on the eleventh time we got a YES and are now pursuing our business dream and living in the Caribbean.

I wish you and your readers nothing but tremendous success in 2009.

Re: Life in the Labs

mark @ mytropicalescape — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:09:42 -0000

Good stuff, Chris! Seems you also forget to mention....Mayor of your own virtual town on Twitter. ;-)

Also, can't wait to see what you do with non profits, so please do let me know if Train for Humanity can assist at all. Currently working on a post "How to Create & Launch a Non Profit with NO Overhead."

Re: How Hotels Can Win More Business Travel

mark @ mytropicalescape — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:08:37 -0000

Hi Chris - thanks for these thoughts!

As someone who owns a small hotel in the Caribbean where travel is said to be off somewhere between 50 to 70% I can speak with some credit to courting niche markets.

We do not see too many business travelers here on Culebra, but we have been successful at targeting our property to people who are looking for an easy escape from the U.S., no large chain hotels, and amazing beaches.

However, this is not the key.

In my opinion, the real strategy is to first define your goals. You can't go after a niche if you don't really know who you are (as a property) or where you hope to go in the future.

Once your goals are defined then the real work begins, your niche MUST be able to find you! It’s where we have had some success and it’s also the place in which social media is at its very best.

I think the large chain hotels (the ones courting business travelers) would like to attract various niches, but if they are not willing to lay the all important groundwork to gain trust in the various forums, blogs, etc....then they are setting themselves up to fail. However, if they actively participated in social media conversations around the various platforms of whatever niche they are hoping to attract and helped people then I think they could increase their business exponentially.

As always, kind regards,
Mark H.
@mark_hayward

Re: Trust Agents on a Plane

mark @ mytropicalescape — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 08:54:45 -0000

Hey Chris - Here's an idea...I'll see if I can pull together a couple hundred folks down here in Puerto Rico to buy your book, especially since we are working to put together PodCamp PR.

However, I am going to recommend that instead of book signings, glad handing, etc...you bring your family along and just take a well-deserved vacation.

If you like, perhaps a barbecue on the beach for the purposes of community building could be organized.

Re: Evaluating Your Business Ideas

mark @ mytropicalescape — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:03:09 -0000

From the perspective of a small business owner, I would add:

1. Passion - does the idea keep you up in the middle of the night?
2. Working tirelessly - are your ready (willing?) to work 15-20 hours seven days a week?
3. Customer service - there's a tremendous amount of mediocrity out there, are you prepared to provide BRAINHURTINGLY good customer service (everyday!)?

As, always, thanks for getting me thinking, Chris!

Re: Mentorship Styles and A Challenge

mark @ mytropicalescape — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:02:09 -0000

Seth - so sorry to hear about your loss! And thank you for the reminder...sending emails and notes now.

Re: Gary Vaynerchuk Can’t Help You

mark @ mytropicalescape — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:46:01 -0000

Seth - I hate 'great post' comments but this one...GrEAT post! Enough said.

Re: Need A Creativity Bailout? Lobby Social Media

mark @ mytropicalescape — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:40:30 -0000

Hey Seth - was reading through my feeds this morning and pleasantly surprised that you linked to me. :-)

Strangely enough, I actually consider myself a non-creative type of person...I didn't grow up laboring over my journals or feeling the need to write and that goat above probably has more artistic talent than I do.

When it does hit my creativity seems to come in bursts and I can easily go for months without any quality ideas. So thanks for this much needed bailout!

Goat caption: "Hey Ma, when did you grow a beard?"

Re: Slideshow: Dogs Lessons for Life and Work

mark @ mytropicalescape — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:56:03 -0000

Hi Maya - how are you? I came over after your comment on my ZH guest post (thanks!) and will be adding your site to my daily RSS.

My wife and I have three former stray/street dogs and we are usually fostering one or two. I get a kick out of the personality differences in all dogs...and I find that I even like them better than some humans. :)

<abbr></abbr><abbr>mark_haywards last blog post..What is one thing you have always wanted to do in your life but have not done yet?</abbr>

Re: What are my goals for Geekdance?

mark @ mytropicalescape — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:18:53 -0000

Maya - best of luck in your new venture...I am sure it will be a huge success. :)

Re: Not Fearless: Being Tempted Off Your Path

mark @ mytropicalescape — Tue, 20 May 2008 16:11:00 -0000

I must say, I think you answered your own question with the statement, "soul crushing work."

You did not choose to call it something else...e.g. a job I dislike or even hate! Man, you used *SOUL CRUSHING* for goodness sakes.

If they want you that badly now they will REALLY want you two years from now...Go on the TRIP!

Re: Planning Travel, Almost as Good as the Real Thing

mark @ mytropicalescape — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:50:53 -0000

Planning travel is truly one of life's great little pleasures...heck you can do it even if you never intend to set foot on a plane! I just returned from Nicaragua and thoroughly enjoyed the pre-trip planning, almost as much as the experience itself.

mark_haywards last blog post..Train for Humanity Week Three Update

Re: Who’s Bringing Karma Back?

mark @ mytropicalescape — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:51:29 -0000

Hey Joshua - thank *you* so much for including Train for Humanity in your list above. Really appreciate the support. :)

Re: The Future Of Blogging

mark @ mytropicalescape — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:06:50 -0000

Hey Ross - welcome back! Do you think video blogging has a future? Or, do people prefer to read...?

Re: 17 Secrets to Finding New Subscribers for Your Blog

mark @ mytropicalescape — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 20:05:01 -0000

Hey Ross - nice post...I now know why I have been stuck at the same subscriber count for like 10 months. Time to implement some of these!

And why aren't your popular posts listed, mister?

Re: What action are you taking?

mark @ mytropicalescape — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:33:57 -0000

Hey Ross - fantastic post! And thank you for your continued support of our efforts with Train for Humanity. Got some great news from Collis and the BAD team that they will try to mention Train for Humanity in their interviews next week. :)

Re: Get a Gravatar for your comments across the web

mark @ mytropicalescape — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:57:26 -0000

Man! I so need to go and signup and have been meaning to for quite some time...thanks for the reminder. :-)

Re: Big Websites Start Small

mark @ mytropicalescape — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 10:27:48 -0000

Terrific post, Ross! Very interesting to actually see with your screen grabs how those sites have evolved.

Keep up the great work and remember us little people when you take over Australia. :-)

Re: 7 Self-Development & Productivity Catalysts at the Bleeding Edge

mark @ mytropicalescape — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 08:19:14 -0000

Hi Clay - I just wanted to drop by and say THANKS for including my site as one of your resources in this terrific post!!

I am just now blowing the cobwebs off of the site as I have been dormant for a couple of weeks. Currently, I am writing a post on "Lifestyle Design" that I think your readers will find interesting.

Kind regards - Mark

Re: How to Take a Sabbatical: An Author Interview with Dan Clements

mark @ mytropicalescape — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:48:11 -0000

Hey Clay - nice job with the interview!

As someone who initially took a sabbatical (to Ecuador) over 15 years ago and then made a complete break from the cubicle, I personally believe it comes down to mindset.

Up until now I have not seen Dan (and his EXCELLENT book) or Tim Ferriss describe it this way, but removing yourself can sometimes be like divorcing a spouse. For some people they have been in their job 2, 5, or 10 years and it is tough to leave because that is how they define themselves.

Also, many people are clinging to their job (the status quo) because it provides them with a sense of security, almost like the safety of a life raft.

Re: How to Take a Sabbatical: An Author Interview with Dan Clements

mark @ mytropicalescape — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 20:01:33 -0000

You said, "If we can help any of you out along the way, just ask."

Um, can I borrow five dollars I need to buy a new snow shovel ;)

Re: 47 Decent Lifestyle Design Resources

mark @ mytropicalescape — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:00:19 -0000

Hey Clay - even though I live by the beach in the Caribbean, I am not quite at middle age...to me lifestyle design is all about pursuing personal freedom.

My next goal will be to attempt to create some passive income streams so that when I am ready for a break from the Caribbean (and choose to travel) I will be able to do so without financial burden. In fact, I have just created the Anywired-Middlebrook Make Money Online Challenge for myself so I can get my arse in gear.

Thanks for linking to me and for putting this resource together!
Mark

Re: Alternative Lifestyle Designing (The Rabbit Hole Tax and Baselining)

mark @ mytropicalescape — Fri, 16 May 2008 17:51:17 -0000

Clay - *Bravo* on the post...and I am not just saying that because you included me. (Although my last name is Hayward (not Hayword).)

Trying to pursue an alternative life, even if it is not that radical requires a tremendous amount of patience, persistence, and a willingness to block out the negative "white" noise that is sometimes thrown your way...

It ain't always easy but as I get ready to go watch the sunset here in the Caribbean with my wife, life outside the norm certainly does have its advantages.

You take care.
Mark

Re: Techipedia Redesign is Finally Live

mark @ mytropicalescape — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:46:04 -0000

Hey Tamar - new site looks great!

Re: Plotting A New Life Via Whiteboard

mark @ mytropicalescape — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:56:18 -0000

Will you travel with your whiteboard...? Anyway, great idea...maybe you can sell it on ebay before you leave for some additional travel funds.

Re: Sarah and Me: Junior High with Sarah Palin

mark @ mytropicalescape — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:47:28 -0000

Hey Ann - nicely done! I, too, am in my forties and there is something about Palin's aura and persona that just seems a bit smarmy for lack of a better word. Thank you for writing so precisely what I was unable to put into words about her...

Re: A Toast to Cancer

mark @ mytropicalescape — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 22:52:52 -0000

Hi Ann - really happy to hear that your skin cancer was not melanoma and that all will be okay! The state of health care in America is, for lack of a better word, sad. I was trying to think...would it have been better if your doctor at least sent you an email or Twitter DM? I don't think so.

Re: 7 Self-Development & Productivity Catalysts at the Bleeding Edge

mark @ mytropicalescape — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 08:19:14 -0000

Re: How to Take a Sabbatical: An Author Interview with Dan Clements

mark @ mytropicalescape — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:48:11 -0000

Re: How to Take a Sabbatical: An Author Interview with Dan Clements

mark @ mytropicalescape — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 20:01:33 -0000

You said, "If we can help any of you out along the way, just ask."

Um, can I borrow five dollars I need to buy a new snow shovel ;)

Re: 47 Decent Lifestyle Design Resources

mark @ mytropicalescape — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:00:19 -0000

Re: Alternative Lifestyle Designing (The Rabbit Hole Tax and Baselining)

mark @ mytropicalescape — Fri, 16 May 2008 17:51:17 -0000

Re: About doubt, leadership and blatant Integrity

mark @ mytropicalescape — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:15:02 -0000

Hi Ann - my wife and I run a very small business and the one thing large corporations can do (from my small biz perspective) to regain some integrity is - they need to CARE!
It's awfully hard to build relationships with your customers if you (or your employees) don't care...I actually think that it probably takes less energy and effort to show you care and to let the customer(s) know that they are important. But most just want to take what they perceive to be the easy way.